Dragon Age II Walkthrough & Strategy Guide

The situation at the Gallows in Kirkwall doesn't look promising, as you'll find out soon enough. Push through the crowd toward the cluster of armored guards to trigger a scene. The rather abrasive city guardsman informs you that the city has been closed off to all incoming refugees unless they possess a heavy enough coin purse with which to buy their way in. Hawke demands to speak to another authority, at which point you are asked to seek out Captain Ewald.

You'll find Captain Ewald in the courtyard quarreling with other refugees, a group called Deserters, trying to enter the city. Ewald repeats much of what you've already learned, with entry into the city barred from the normal citizenry of Ferelden. Applying some tact, you can name drop Gamlen and spark some interest in your group. Just when you've begun to establish common ground with the Captain, the Deserters grow impatient and decide using their weapons to do the negotiating.

Help Captain Ewald fend off these assailants to spin his opinion of you 180-degrees. Your dear Uncle Gamlen proffers a deal that essentially amounts to indentured servitude but seems to be your only ticket into the city. On what might be considered the bright side, you do have the choice between either Athenril, a seedy smuggler, or a hired sword by the name of Meeran. Pick your poison.

NOTE

Allow us to interject here with a cautionary note about making decisions, as decisions are aplenty in the world of Dragon Age II (and characteristic of any Bioware game).

You could obviously approach any problem or person as a righteous diplomat, a bloodthirsty avenger, or whatever you decide to be, but many of your actions and decisions have rippling effects throughout the story. The changes are effected gradually or even immediately, as it shall be in this case. The reliable metrics for Hawke's character are, subsequently, her words and actions, and they may often agree or conflict with interests of other members of your party.

The Smuggler: Athenril

You'll find Athenril stationed further to the north, her position denoted by an exclamation point. She asks you to seek out a merchant named Cavril, who struck a sort of partnership with Athenril and had since tightened his grip on some funds that were rightfully hers. Athenril hopes you can get close to him and reclaim her share of the money.

There are several ways to go about this:

Upon initiating the conversation with Cavril, you find a poor Ferelden woman being swindled by the callous merchant. The mention of Athenril draws the merchant's ire, but request Aveline to step forward and douse the flames, a somewhat diplomatic feat that effectively empties his pockets. This option sides with Aveline's righteous slant.

Offer to take a bribe. By doing so, you'll not only betray and drive Athenril out of the city but you'll also take a hit in Aveline's friendship. You now have no choice but to turn to Meeran for help. Such is a typical example of Dragon Age II's reactive consequence for choosing a certain option over another. Expect Athenril to exact her revenge for your betrayal later on.

The pacifist's approach leads to conflict with Cavril's guards, but also nets you experience.

The Mercenary: Meeran

Agree to attend to Friedrich, who is found not too far from Meeran's current position. Again, you have a few options:

Tough it out with some good ol' sword-clashing. An interesting thing about this fight is that you can spur Captain Ewald and his men into action and have them fight for you. Do this by selecting all your party members simultaneously, bringing up your radial menu, selecting Move to Point, and positioning them right in front of the jovial captain.

Offer to take a bribe. You still have his lackeys to deal with, but Meeran will depart, leaving your only option into the city up to Athenril.

If you betray either one of these individuals now or later, place no doubt in your mind that they will exact their revenge at a random opportunity. Return to Gamlen once you've sorted out your allegiances.